Now Commenting On:

D-Backs need boost in All-Star voting

D-Backs need boost in All-Star voting

The Diamondbacks have been near the top of the National League West standings for much of the season's first two months, but when it comes to All-Star Game voting, the team has lagged behind.

In fact, third baseman Troy Glaus is the only Diamondbacks player to rank in the top five at any position.

Glaus, who is third behind the Cardinals' Scott Rolen and the Braves' Chipper Jones, has received 212,620, according to a National League balloting update released Wednesday.

Signed as a free agent last offseason, Glaus has shown that he's completely over last year's shoulder injury. He has given the Diamondbacks the true cleanup hitter they've lacked in recent years, and his presence has helped No. 3 hitter Luis Gonzalez, who is seeing better pitches to hit.

Glaus has appeared in three All-Star Games during his career. He was a reserve in 2000 and 2001, and he was voted in as a starter in 2003, becoming the first Angels player to start an All-Star Game since Wally Joyner did so in 1986.

Along with Gonzalez, Arizona second baseman Craig Counsell certainly deserves some consideration from fans. Counsell has done a great job for the Diamondbacks in the leadoff role. He entered Sunday's game with a .436 on-base percentage and a team-leading nine stolen bases. Jeff Kent is the NL's leading vote getter among second basemen, followed by Craig Biggio.

Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times with the Ameriquest 2005 All-Star Online Ballot. Online balloting ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on June 30.

Arizona fans can vote at Bank One Ballpark through June 26.

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.